Daniels 70 weeks made Simple

[Sinthesis]

This is what I understand from Genesis.

KJV
Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
YLT
Gen 1:5 and God calleth to the light `Day,' and to the darkness He hath called `Night;' and there is an evening, and there is a morning--day one.

The time of darkness is night.
The time of light is day.
Together they make 1 day. or Yom

That is how I see that God defines a day and night - that together make 1 day.
yôm
yome
From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literally (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverbially): - age, + always, +

Here thus we +always, - age , would read like age day
So when a number is add in the text like 1 day it defines what day in that context means.

So light and dark make 1 day = 24 hours
When Jesus says 3 days and 3 nights that would equal 3 lights and 3 darks

That is certainly the way I see it now, but that is not what I used to believe. I think much of the confusion comes from the difference between trying to uncover for ourselves what is biblically true, versus defending what we've been taught. We also have a tendency to over-value non salvational issues. Especially if we believe the Holy Spirit makes us personally infallible in matters of doctrine.

 

[Deborah13]

That is certainly the way I see it now, but that is not what I used to believe. I think much of the confusion comes from the difference between trying to uncover for ourselves what is biblically true, versus defending what we've been taught. We also have a tendency to over-value non salvational issues. Especially if we believe the Holy Spirit makes us personally infallible in matters of doctrine.

lol
Becoming a member on this site has been like being tossed on the sea in a row boat.
What 'I' thought 'I' knew has been shown to me to have been very little indeed.
My salvation doctrines have not changed but many others have. And even my salvation doctrines have been put in more perspective.

 

[Cyberseeker]

Dan. ch.9 has a powerful atoning purpose and I am referring to verse Dan 9:24. It is the most comprehensive 'atonement' text in the Old Testament IMO. Basically it is saying that the Cross would achieve these six things:

• First, it finished transgression for those who believe, so the demands of law do not have to be charged against them.
• Second, it made an end of sins by removing the accumulated sin temporarily covered under the old covenant, as well as removing in advance sin committed under the new covenant.
• Third, it reconciled us to God whose justice was satisfied by the propitiatory sacrifice of his Son.
• Fourth, it enabled the righteousness of Christ to be credited to those that believe on him irrespective of the wrongs they may have done.
• Fifth, it sealed the vision, authenticating Jesus as the One from God and his ministry as the fulfilment of the promise.
• Sixth, it raised and anointed a new temple, the Church, holy to the Lord, not made by man’s hands.

 

[JLB]

Dan. ch.9 has a powerful atoning purpose and I am referring to verse Dan 9:24. It is the most comprehensive 'atonement' text in the Old Testament IMO. Basically it is saying that the Cross would achieve these six things:

• First, it finished transgression for those who believe, so the demands of law do not have to be charged against them.
• Second, it made an end of sins by removing the accumulated sin temporarily covered under the old covenant, as well as removing in advance sin committed under the new covenant.
• Third, it reconciled us to God whose justice was satisfied by the propitiatory sacrifice of his Son.
• Fourth, it enabled the righteousness of Christ to be credited to those that believe on him irrespective of the wrongs they may have done.
• Fifth, it sealed the vision, authenticating Jesus as the One from God and his ministry as the fulfilment of the promise.
• Sixth, it raised and anointed a new temple, the Church, holy to the Lord, not made by man’s hands.

Any chart or teaching that does not begin with the Decree of Cyrus, as the initial going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, is not accurate.

It was His command that began the process and started the work.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

This man was raised up by God for this very purpose.

26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:26-28

and of Cyrus He also says -

13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

It was by the mouth of Cyrus that the command went forth to to restore and to build Jerusalem...


JLB


JLB

 

[Cyberseeker]

It was the decree of Cyrus. It was the same decree, reissued by Darius and reissued again by Artaxerxes. Notice how in Ezra 6:14 it is referred to as single decree - not plural)

The actual count begins from Artaxerxes as is proven by its perfect timing with the manifestation of the anointed one.

 

[Deborah13]

Any chart or teaching that does not begin with the Decree of Cyrus, as the initial going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, is not accurate.

It was His command that began the process and started the work.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

This man was raised up by God for this very purpose.

26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:26-28

and of Cyrus He also says -

13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

It was by the mouth of Cyrus that the command went forth to to restore and to build Jerusalem...


JLB


JLB

Ezr 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

"In 539 BC Cyrus invaded Babylonia. The Persian army met the Babylonian forces at Opis, east of the River Tigris and defeated them. Cyrus now controlled much of the Near East from the frontier of Egypt, through Anatolia and Iran. He founded a new royal centre in his homeland, Parsagadae (city of the Persians).
Later Cyrus turned his attention to Iran and Central Asia and it was while campaigning here that he was killed in 530 BC."
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/c/cyrus,_king_of_persia.aspx

539 BC - Cyrus gives the proclamation to free the Jews and rebuild Jerusalem
- 483 BC - 62 weeks in the Daniel prophecy
56 BC -

If I remember correctly you believe that Jesus died at the end of the 62 weeks. Wouldn't that mean He died in 56 BC?
Or am I confused?


Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

 

[Deborah13]

Any chart or teaching that does not begin with the Decree of Cyrus, as the initial going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, is not accurate.

It was His command that began the process and started the work.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

This man was raised up by God for this very purpose.

26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:26-28

and of Cyrus He also says -

13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

It was by the mouth of Cyrus that the command went forth to to restore and to build Jerusalem...


JLB


JLB

POST #66 .....
Oppss just realized I wrote 62 weeks and I meant 69 weeks = 483 yrs.

 

[JLB]

Ezr 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

"In 539 BC Cyrus invaded Babylonia. The Persian army met the Babylonian forces at Opis, east of the River Tigris and defeated them. Cyrus now controlled much of the Near East from the frontier of Egypt, through Anatolia and Iran. He founded a new royal centre in his homeland, Parsagadae (city of the Persians).
Later Cyrus turned his attention to Iran and Central Asia and it was while campaigning here that he was killed in 530 BC."
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/articles/c/cyrus,_king_of_persia.aspx

539 BC - Cyrus gives the proclamation to free the Jews and rebuild Jerusalem
- 483 BC - 62 weeks in the Daniel prophecy
56 BC -

If I remember correctly you believe that Jesus died at the end of the 62 weeks. Wouldn't that mean He died in 56 BC?
Or am I confused?


Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Deb,

Did you read my post that you responded to?

Cyrus gave the initial command to restore and to build Jerusalem, not Darius, not Artaxerxes.

The clock started ticking with the command from Cyrus!

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

[ Where is the date you are referring to in this scripture?]

Are you suggesting that a date by some "historian" is what you are basing your theory on, rather than what the scripture says?


This man was raised up by God for this very purpose.

26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:26-28

[ No date here either]
and of Cyrus He also says -

13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

It was by the mouth of Cyrus that the command went forth to to restore and to build Jerusalem...


JLB

 

[Deborah13]

Deb,

Did you read my post that you responded to?

Cyrus gave the initial command to restore and to build Jerusalem, not Darius, not Artaxerxes.

The clock started ticking with the command from Cyrus!

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

[ Where is the date you are referring to in this scripture?]

Are you suggesting that a date by some "historian" is what you are basing your theory on, rather than what the scripture says?


This man was raised up by God for this very purpose.

26 Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, 'You shall be inhabited,' To the cities of Judah, 'You shall be built,' And I will raise up her waste places; 27 Who says to the deep, 'Be dry! And I will dry up your rivers'; 28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:26-28

[ No date here either]
and of Cyrus He also says -

13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:13

It was by the mouth of Cyrus that the command went forth to to restore and to build Jerusalem...


JLB

I did of coarse read your post and even quoted the same scripture.
But I can not ignore this scripture.


Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

From this scripture it appears to me that it is saying the the command was given by three different kings and three different times.
When Cyrus freed the people and some returned to Jerusalem and began the construction of the temple. Then it stopped and was restarted under Darius. The same thing happened again under Artaxerxes. They completed the temple first and then the walls, I think.
I believe God was in control of all of this. He had a plan for when the Messiah would come.

History tells us the dates. There is nowhere in the Bible that we are forbidden to consider facts, especially when there is scripture that the facts can support. The historical fact of when Cyrus gave the proclamation supports the scripture in what Ezra 6:14 says.

Are you saying that the historical dates are wrong?

 

[JLB]

I did of coarse read your post and even quoted the same scripture.
But I can not ignore this scripture.


Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

From this scripture it appears to me that it is saying the the command was given by three different kings and three different times.

Cyrus gave the original command according to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled , the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying , 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1-4

This command freed the Jews from captivity of the 70 years in which God brought Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the city and take the children of Israel captive, according to Jeremiah!

This command started the 70 weeks time clock!

It was Cyrus predecessor that gave the command to cease the work, which is why there is a separation in the time span of 69 weeks, so that it is written 7 weeks and 62 weeks.

Artaxerxes stopped the work.

Darius caused the work to began again.
23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.Ezra 4:23-24

Cyrus gave the command that started the 70 weeks time clock.

JLB

 

[Cyberseeker]

Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

From this scripture it appears to me that it is saying the the command was given by three different kings and three different times.
When Cyrus freed the people and some returned to Jerusalem and began the construction of the temple. Then it stopped and was restarted under Darius. The same thing happened again under Artaxerxes. They completed the temple first and then the walls, I think.
I believe God was in control of all of this. He had a plan for when the Messiah would come.

History tells us the dates. There is nowhere in the Bible that we are forbidden to consider facts, especially when there is scripture that the facts can support.

Exactly Deborah. "the command was given by three different kings and three different times" and we count from Artaxerxes ratification of the decree. 1st Nisan 457 BC. (Ezra 7:7-26)

Are you suggesting that a date by some "historian" is what you are basing your theory on, rather than what the scripture says?

I cannot take you seriously if you are a history denier. Good biblical interpretation fits into history.

 

[JLB]

Exactly Deborah. "the command was given by three different kings and three different times" and we count from Artaxerxes ratification of the decree. 1st Nisan 457 BC. (Ezra 7:7-26)


I cannot take you seriously if you are a history denier. Good biblical interpretation fits into history.

When your "history" completely ignores the scripture then your history is of no value.

Trying to use man made dates that dilute the clear message of the scripture is not sound study.


JLB

 

[JLB]

Exactly Deborah. "the command was given by three different kings and three different times" and we count from Artaxerxes ratification of the decree. 1st Nisan 457 BC. (Ezra 7:7-26)


I cannot take you seriously if you are a history denier. Good biblical interpretation fits into history.

I can not take you seriously if you reject what the scripture says.

Please address the scripture I have presented, that states Cyrus gave the command to release the children of Israel to restore and build before the others.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Ezra 1:1-2


JLB

 

[Cyberseeker]

Cyrus’ decree fits the description but our problem is that when we add 483 years to 538 BC, we arrive at a year of no particular significance. Did an anointed prince appear in 55 BC? No, nothing of interest happened at all.

The second decree was issued by Darius, and his name brings to mind an earlier story of the king who had Daniel thrown to the lions. He carried out the punishment, not because he wanted to, but because the law of the Medes and the Persians could not be revoked! This famous incident provides an unexpected clue to understanding which decree should be associated with the prophecy of the ‘weeks’. It reminds us that decrees did not change from one emperor to the next and shows that Darius’ decree was not a new one at all; it was really a repeat of Cyrus’, re-decreed in accordance with Persian law. Nevertheless, when we add 483 years to 520 BC we still arrive at a year where nothing of significance happened - 37 BC. Obviously the countdown does not begin with Darius either.

Nearly sixty years elapsed from Darius during which time the temple was completed, but rebuilding of Jerusalem’s infrastructure had to wait until Artaxerxes ratified the decree again in his seventh year. According to the Hebrew calendar this date was 457 BC, and Ezra says it happened on the “first day of the first month in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.” Now, when we count forward 483 years from 1 Nisan 457 BC it comes out at 1 Nisan AD 27 - the time Jesus began his public ministry. When one considers how Daniel first predicts the decree nearly a century before it happened, then proceeds to telescope another 69 weeks further, we find a supernatural fulfilment of the ‘times’ in Jesus of Nazareth. This ‘coincidence’ defy the odds and provide powerful testimony to the identity of the Christ.

But what of the other two decrees? Actually all three are correct. This is even stated in Ezra 6:14:

"And the elders of the Jews built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia."​

This clear statement of scripture cuts right through the endless arguments, disagreements, wrangling, books and debates claiming one decree is the ‘most correct’ and all others are wrong etc. etc. The simple truth is they are the same decree; they are all correct.

The prophet Daniel makes it quite clear that his vision follows the earlier prophecy of Jeremiah, and when understood in that context we see a single decree issued in series and linked together in logical order.

• First, Cyrus issued the decree when Babylon fell in 539 BC, exactly when Jeremiah said it would.
• Second Darius’ proclamation came in September 520 BC, marking the completion of Jerusalem’s seventy-year desolation.
• Third came Artaxerxes’ decree in the year 457 BC. It started the new 490-year era. Count from here!

 

[Deborah13]

Cyrus gave the original command according to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled , the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying , 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1-4

This command freed the Jews from captivity of the 70 years in which God brought Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the city and take the children of Israel captive, according to Jeremiah!

This command started the 70 weeks time clock!

It was Cyrus predecessor that gave the command to cease the work, which is why there is a separation in the time span of 69 weeks, so that it is written 7 weeks and 62 weeks.

Artaxerxes stopped the work.

Darius caused the work to began again.
23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.Ezra 4:23-24
Cyrus gave the command that started the 70 weeks time clock.

JLB

Different this is believed by some scholars to be a different Artaxerxes. They think that this name was used rather like Caesar. Chapter 7 confirms that there is a king calling himself Artaxerxes.

Ezr 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
Ezr 7:13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Ezr 7:21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

This is a quote from Adam Clarke's Commentary
"Of Cyrus - This sovereign gave his orders for the rebuilding of the temple about A.M. 3468.
And Darius - Darius Hystaspes confirmed the above orders, A. M. 3485.
And Artaxerxes - Artaxerxes Longimanus sent Ezra to Judea with new privileges, A.M. 3547. With the permission of the same king, Nehemiah came to Judea in 3550. The writer recapitulates the different sovereigns who favored the Jews after the Babylonish captivity. See Calmet."
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/ezra/6.htm

A.M. 3468 = 538 BC

Do you think that history is wrong about the date of Cyrus' reign over Babylon?

 

[JLB]

Different this is believed by some scholars to be a different Artaxerxes. They think that this name was used rather like Caesar. Chapter 7 confirms that there is a king calling himself Artaxerxes.

Ezr 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
Ezr 7:13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Ezr 7:21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

This is a quote from Adam Clarke's Commentary
"Of Cyrus - This sovereign gave his orders for the rebuilding of the temple about A.M. 3468.
And Darius - Darius Hystaspes confirmed the above orders, A. M. 3485.
And Artaxerxes - Artaxerxes Longimanus sent Ezra to Judea with new privileges, A.M. 3547. With the permission of the same king, Nehemiah came to Judea in 3550. The writer recapitulates the different sovereigns who favored the Jews after the Babylonish captivity. See Calmet."
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/clarke/ezra/6.htm

A.M. 3468 = 538 BC

Do you think that history is wrong about the date of Cyrus' reign over Babylon?

I wouldn't dream of using any dates from historians until there had been a thorough examination of the scriptures.

It was Cyrus who gave the decree to restore and build jerusalem, because it was Cyrus who was God's anointed to carry out this work.

as it is written -

28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." ' Isaiah 44:28

1 "Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2 'I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city And let My exiles go free, Not for price nor reward," Says the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 45:1-2,13

Cyrus was called by God to set the exiles free.

Cyrus was the Lord's anointed.

Cyrus was called by God to restore and build Jerusalem.

Does the scriptures say this about the others?

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Ezra 1:1

The is what was said in Daniel 9 at the introduction to the 70 weeks prophecy.

1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans-- 2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:1-2

The seventy years were up and it was Cyrus who gave the command to restore and build Jerusalem.

JLB

 

[Deborah13]

I can not take you seriously if you reject what the scripture says.

Please address the scripture I have presented, that states Cyrus gave the command to release the children of Israel to restore and build before the others.

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Ezra 1:1-2


JLB

I can't ignore Ezra 6:14.
Well there are other people besides you who do not believe the dates given by the historical records so you are not alone in this.

 

[JLB]

I can't ignore Ezra 6:14.
Well there are other people besides you who do not believe the dates given by the historical records so you are not alone in this.

Based on Ezra 1:1-3 Cyrus gave the command...

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3 Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem.

Later on in Ezra 4 we see Darius and Artaxerxes came after Cyrus, and made a decree that would stop the work and later start the work again.

4 Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. 6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes also, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the letter was written in Aramaic script, and translated into the Aramaic language. Ezra 4:4-7

and again -

23 Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. 24 Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. Ezra 4:23-24


I hope you will not ignore the fact that Cyrus gave the command for the work to begin, and after that Artaxerxes wrote a letter for the work to cease.

Obviously the work had to start prior to the letter of Artaxerxes that halted the work that was in progress.

In other words the work could not cease unless it had first started.

Cyrus gave the command to start the work prior to Artaxerxes stopping the work, which later was started again by Darius.

That is how these kings were involved.

It was Cyrus who was anointed by God to build the city and the temple, who gave the command that started the 70 weeks clock ticking, until Messiah the Prince.

I hope you will not ignore the fact that for something to cease, it first must have been started.


JLB

 

[Sinthesis]

The fact that Cyrus' order to rebuild was countermanded and the work ceased so soon proves that Daniel's 70wks countdown did not begin with Cyrus. There is no provision in the 490yrs for gaps. Cyrus ended the 70yrs of Jeremiah, but that does not mean he began the 490yrs of Daniel.

 

[Cyberseeker]

and again -

23 Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease.

Ezra chapter 4 is a summary of the political opposition to the Jews rebuilding. A series of letters were made to Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and Artaxerxes over a period of about 80 years. Artaxerxes would have been pressured as soon as he came to the throne, just as his father was. (v.4) So, he stopped the work temporarily. Then, in his 7th year he issued a decree to allow the work to continue.